The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and district administrations, has taken up a series of programmes to mark the 126th birth anniversary of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, set to be celebrated nationwide including in Dhaka and Cumilla.

The national-level celebration will begin on May 25 with a three-day programme in Cumilla, jointly organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and the Cumilla district administration.

This year’s theme is "Legacy of Kazi Nazrul in the 2024 People's Uprising" - focusing on the poet’s revolutionary role and enduring influence in the struggle for justice.

The inaugural ceremony will take place at the Cumilla District Shilpakala Academy on May 25 at 3 pm. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will attend the event as chief guest, while the ministry’s Secretary Md Mofidul Rahman will preside.

Special guests include Md Latiful Islam Shibli, Executive Director of the Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute, and Khilkhil Kazi, poet’s granddaughter and Chairperson of the Institute’s Trustee Board. 

Eminent educationist Professor Salimullah Khan will deliver a commemorative speech, and Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Amirul Kaisar will deliver the welcome address.

The event will also feature the distribution of the Nazrul Award 2023 and 2024 to selected recipients, who will share their reflections during the ceremony.

Following the discussion, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will present a special cultural segment titled “Chetona O Jagorone Nazrul” (Nazrul in Spirit and Awakening).

Additionally, on May 26 at 6:30 pm, the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will host another edition the event at the National Theatre Hall in Dhaka. Mohammad Warees Hossain, Secretary and Acting Director General of the Academy, will preside, while Mehzabeen Rahman, Director of the department, will deliver the welcome speech.

Meanwhile, cultural organisation Chhayanaut will host its annual Nazrul Utshab (Nazrul Festival) on May 25 and 26 (Sunday and Monday) at the Chhayanaut Auditorium in Dhanmondi. The programme will begin at 7 pm on both days.

The two-day festival will feature solo and group renditions of Nazrul songs, dance, and recitation. Alongside Chhayanaut’s own performers, invited artists and groups will also participate, and the festival is open to all.

Both days of the festival will be streamed live on Chhayanaut’s official Facebook page (facebook.com/chhayanautbd) and YouTube channel (youtube.com/@chhayanautbd).